US6635914B2 - Microelectronic programmable device and methods of forming and programming the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A microelectronic programmable structure and methods of forming and programming the structure are disclosed. The programmable structure generally include an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Electrical properties of the structure may be altered by applying a bias across the electrodes, and thus information may be stored using the structure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,915, entitled PROGRAMMABLE MICROELECTRONIC DEVICES AND METHODS OF FORMING AND PROGRAMMING SAME, filed Apr. 19, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/555,612, entitled PROGRAMMABLE SUBSURFACE AGGREGATING METALLIZATION CELL STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME, filed Dec. 4, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/231,343, entitled COMMON ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS OF THE PROGRAMMABLE METALLIZATION CELL, filed Sep. 8, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/231,345, entitled GLASS COMPOSITION SUITABLE FOR PROGRAMMABLE METALLIZATION CELLS AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME, filed Sep. 8, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/231,350, entitled ULTRA LOW ENERGY PROGRAMMABLE METALLIZATION CELL DEVICES AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME, filed Sep. 8, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/231,427, entitled ELECTRODES FOR THE PROGRAMMABLE METALLIZATION CELL, filed Sep. 8, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/231,346, entitled SOLID SOLUTION FOR THE PROGRAMMABLE METALLIZATION CELL AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME, filed Sep. 8, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/231,432, entitled PROGRAMMABLE METALLIZATION CELL WITH FLOATING ELECTRODE AND METHOD OF PROGRAMMING AND FORMING THE SAME, filed Sep. 8, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/282,045, entitled OPTIMIZED ELECTRODES FOR THE PROGRAMMABLE METALLIZATION CELL, filed Apr. 6, 2001; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/283,591, entitled OPTIMIZED GLASS COMPOSITION FOR THE PROGRAMMABLE METALLIZATION CELL, filed Apr. 13, 2001; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/291,886, entitled ELECTRODES FOR THE PROGRAMMABLE METALLIZATION CELL, filed May 18, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to microelectronic devices. More particularly, the invention relates to programmable microelectronic structures suitable for use in integrated circuits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Memory devices are often used in electronic systems and computers to store information in the form of binary data. These memory devices may be characterized into various types, each type having associated with it various advantages and disadvantages.

For example, random access memory (“RAM”) which may be found in personal computers is typically volatile semiconductor memory; in other words, the stored data is lost if the power source is disconnected or removed. Dynamic RAM (“DRAM”) is particularly volatile in that it must be “refreshed”(i.e., recharged) every few microseconds in order to maintain the stored data. Static RAM (“SRAM”) will hold the data after one writing so long as the power source is maintained; once the power source is disconnected, however, the data is lost. Thus, in these volatile memory configurations, information is only retained so long as the power to the system is not turned off In general, these RAM devices can take up significant chip area and therefore may be expensive to manufacture and consume relatively large amounts of energy for data storage. Accordingly, improved memory devices suitable for use in personal computers and the like are desirable.

Other storage devices such as magnetic storage devices (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks and magnetic tape) as well as other systems, such as optical disks, CD-RW and DVD-RW are non-volatile, have extremely high capacity, and can be rewritten many times. Unfortunately, these memory devices are physically large, are shock/vibration-sensitive, require expensive mechanical drives, and may consume relatively large amounts of power. These negative aspects make such memory devices non-ideal for low power portable applications such as lap-top and palm-top computers, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), and the like.

Due, at least in part, to a rapidly growing numbers of compact, low-power portable computer systems in which stored information changes regularly, low energy read/write semiconductor memories have become increasingly desirable and widespread. Furthermore, because these portable systems often require data storage when the power is turned off, non-volatile storage device are desired for use in such systems.

One type of programmable semiconductor non-volatile memory device suitable for use in such systems is a programmable read-only memory (“PROM”) device. One type of PROM, a write-once read-many (“WORM”) device, uses an array of fusible links. Once programmed, the WORM device cannot be reprogrammed.

Other forms of PROM devices include erasable PROM (“EPROM”) and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM) devices, which are alterable after an initial programming. EPROM devices generally require an erase step involving exposure to ultra violet light prior to programming the device. Thus, such devices are generally not well suited for use in portable electronic devices. EEPROM devices are generally easier to program, but suffer from other deficiencies. In particular, EEPROM devices are relatively complex, are relatively difficult to manufacture, and are relatively large. Furthermore, a circuit including EEPROM devices must withstand the high voltages necessary to program the device. Consequently, EEPROM cost per bit of memory capacity is extremely high compared with other means of data storage. Another disadvantage of EEPROM devices is that, although they can retain data without having the power source connected, they require relatively large amounts of power to program. This power drain can be considerable in a compact portable system powered by a battery.

In view of the various problems associated with conventional data storage devices described above, a relatively non-volatile, programmable device which is relatively simple and inexpensive to produce is desired. Furthermore, this memory technology should meet the requirements of the new generation of portable computer devices by operating at a relatively low voltage while providing high storage density and a low manufacturing cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improved microelectronic devices for use in integrated circuits. More particularly, the invention provides relatively non-volatile, programmable devices suitable for memory and other integrated circuits.

The ways in which the present invention addresses various drawbacks of now-known programmable devices are discussed in greater detail below. However, in general, the present invention provides a programmable device that is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture, and which is relatively easy to program.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a programmable structure includes an ion conductor and at least two electrodes. The structure is configured such that when a bias is applied across two electrodes, one or more electrical properties of the structure change. In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, a resistance across the structure changes when a bias is applied across the electrodes. In accordance with other aspects of this embodiment, a capacitance or other electrical property of the structure changes upon application of a bias across the electrodes. One or more of these electrical changes may suitably be detected. Thus, stored information may be retrieved from a circuit including the structure.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a programmable structure includes an ion conductor, at least two electrodes, and a barrier interposed between at least a portion of one of the electrodes and the ion conductor. In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment the barrier material includes a material configured to reduce diffusion of ions between the ion conductor and at least one electrode. The diffusion barrier may also serve to prevent undesired electrodeposit growth within a portion of the structure. In accordance with another aspect, the barrier material includes an insulating material. Inclusion of an insulating material increases the voltage required to reduce the resistance of the device. In accordance with yet another aspect of this embodiment, the barrier includes material that conducts ions, but which is relatively resistant to the conduction of electrons. Use of such material may reduce undesired plating at an electrode and increase the thermal stability of the device.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a programmable microelectronic structure is formed on a surface of a substrate by forming a first electrode on the substrate, depositing a layer of ion conductor material over the first electrode, and depositing conductive material onto the ion conductor material. In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, a solid solution including the ion conductor and excess conductive material is formed by dissolving (e.g., via thermal and/or photodissolution) a portion of the conductive material in the ion conductor. In accordance with a further aspect, only a portion of the conductive material is dissolved, such that a portion of the conductive material remains on a surface of the ion conductor to form an electrode on a surface of the ion conductor material.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of a programmable structure is formed within a through-hole or via in an insulating material. In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, a first electrode feature is formed on a surface of a substrate, insulating material is deposited onto a surface of the electrode feature, a via is formed within the insulating material, and a portion of the programmable structure is formed within the via. After the via is formed within the insulating material, a portion of the structure within the via is formed by depositing an ion conductive material onto the conductive material, depositing a second electrode material onto the ion conductive material, and, if desired, removing any excess electrode, ion conductor, and/or insulating material. In accordance with another aspect of this embodiment, only the ion conductor is formed within the via. In this case, a first electrode is formed below the insulating material an in contact with the ion conductor and the second electrode is formed above the insulating material and in contact with the ion conductor. The configuration of the via may be changed to alter (e.g., reduce) a contact area between one or more of the electrodes and the ion conductor. Reducing the cross-sectional area of the interface between the ion conductor and the electrode increases the efficiency of the device (change in electrical property per amount of power supplied to the device). In accordance with another aspect of this embodiment, the via may extend through the lower electrode to reduce the interface area between the electrode and the ion conductor. In accordance with yet another aspect of this embodiment, a portion of the ion conductor may be removed from the via or the ion conductor material may be directionally deposited into only a portion of the via to further reduce an interface between an electrode and the ion conductor.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a programmable device may be formed on a surface of a substrate.

In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, multiple bits of information are stored in a single programmable structure. In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, a programmable structure includes a floating electrode interposed between two additional electrodes.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, multiple programmable devices are coupled together using a common electrode (e.g., a common anode or a common cathode).

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, multiple programmable devices share a common electrode.

In accordance with yet a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a capacitance of a programmable structure is altered by causing ions within an ion conductor of the structure to migrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims, considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures, and:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of a programmable structure formed on a surface of a substrate in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of a programmable structure in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a current-voltage diagram illustrating current and voltage characteristics of the device illustrated in FIG. 2 in an “on” and “off” state;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of a programmable structure in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a memory device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a memory device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are a cross-sectional illustrations of a programmable structure having an ion conductor/electrode contact interface formed about a perimeter of the ion conductor in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are a cross-sectional illustrations of a programmable structure having an ion conductor/electrode contact interface formed about a perimeter of the ion conductor in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a programmable device having a horizontal configuration in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 13-19 illustrate programmable device structures with reduced electrode/ion conductor interface surface area in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a programmable device with a tapered ion conductor in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate a programmable device including a floating electrode in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 25-29 illustrate common electrode programmable device structures in accordance with the present invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention generally relates to microelectronic devices. More particularly, the invention relates to programmable structures or devices suitable for various integrated circuit applications.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate programmablemicroelectronic structures100 and200 formed on a surface of asubstrate110 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Structures100 and200 includeelectrodes120 and130, anion conductor140, and optionally include buffer orbarrier layers155 and/or255.

Generally,structures100 and200 are configured such that when a bias greater than a threshold voltage (V_T), discussed in more detail below, is applied acrosselectrodes120 and130, the electrical properties ofstructure100 change. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, as a voltage V≧V_Tis applied acrosselectrodes120 and130, conductive ions withinion conductor140 begin to migrate and form an electrodeposit (e.g., electrodeposit160) at or near the more negative ofelectrodes120 and130; such an electrodeposit, however, is not required to practice the present invention. The term “electrodeposit” as used herein means any area within the ion conductor that has an increased concentration of reduced metal or other conductive material compared to the concentration of such material in the bulk ion conductor material. As the electrodeposit forms, the resistance betweenelectrodes120 and130 decreases, and other electrical properties may also change. In the absence of any insulating barriers, which are discussed in more detail below, the threshold voltage required to grow the electrodeposit from one electrode toward the other and thereby significantly reduce the resistance of the device is approximately the redox potential of the system, typically a few hundred millivolts. If the same voltage is applied in reverse, the electrodeposit will dissolve back into the ion conductor and the device will return to a high resistance state. In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, application of an electric field betweenelectrodes120 and130 may cause ions dissolved withinconductor140 to migrate and thus cause a change in the electrical properties ofdevice100, without the formation of an electrodeposit.Structures100 and200 may be used to store information and thus may be used in memory circuits. For example,structure100 or other programmable structures in accordance with the present invention may suitably be used in memory devices to replace DRAM, SRAM, PROM, EPROM, or EEPROM devices. In addition, programmable structures of the present invention may be used for other applications where programming or changing of electrical properties of a portion of an electrical circuit are desired.

Substrate110 may include any suitable material. For example,substrate110 may include semiconductive, conductive, semiinsulative, insulative material, or any combination of such materials. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention,substrate110 includes an insulatingmaterial112 and aportion114 including microelectronic devices formed on a semiconductor substrate.Layers112 and114 may be separated by additional layers (not shown) such as, for example, layers typically used to form integrated circuits. Because the programmable structures can be formed over insulating or other materials, the programmable structures of the present invention are particularly well suited for applications where substrate (e.g., semiconductor material) space is a premium.

Electrodes120 and130 may be formed of any suitable conductive material. For example,electrodes120 and130 may be formed of doped polysilicon material or metal.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention, one ofelectrodes120 and130 is formed of a material including a metal that dissolves inion conductor140 when a sufficient bias (V≧V_T) is applied across the electrodes (oxidizable electrode) and the other electrode is relatively inert and does not dissolve during operation of the programmable device (an indifferent electrode). For example,electrode120 may be an anode during a write process and be comprised of a material including silver that dissolves inion conductor140 andelectrode130 may be a cathode during the write process and be comprised of an inert material such as tungsten, nickel, molybdenum, platinum, metal silicides, and the like. Having at least one electrode formed of a material including a metal which dissolves inion conductor140 facilitates maintaining a desired dissolved metal concentration withinion conductor140, which in turn facilitates rapid andstable electrodeposit160 formation withinion conductor140 or other electrical property change during use ofstructure100 and/or200. Furthermore, use of an inert material for the other electrode (cathode during a write operation) facilitates electrodissolution of any electrodeposit that may have formed and/or return of the programmable device to an erased state after application of a sufficient voltage.

During an erase operation, dissolution of any electrodeposit that may have formed preferably begins at or near the oxidizable electrode/electrodeposit interface. Initial dissolution of the electrodeposit at the oxidizable electrode/electrodeposit interface may be facilitated by formingstructure100 such that the resistance of the at the oxidizable electrode/electrodeposit interface is greater than the resistance at any other point along the electrodeposit, particularly, the interface between the electrodeposit and the indifferent electrode.

One way to achieve relatively low resistance at the indifferent electrode is to form the electrode of relatively inert, non-oxidizing material such as platinum. Use of such material reduces formation of oxides at the interface betweenion conductor140 and the indifferent electrode as well as the formation of compounds or mixtures of the electrode material andion conductor140 material, which typically have a higher resistance thanion conductor140 or the electrode material.

Relatively low resistance at the indifferent electrode may also be obtained by forming a barrier layer between the oxidizable electrode (anode during a write operation), wherein the barrier layer is formed of material having a relatively high resistance. Exemplary high resistance materials include layers (e.g.,layer155 and/or layer255) of ion conducting material (e.g., Ag_xO, Ag_xS, Ag_xSe, Ag_xTe, where x≧2, Ag_yI, where x≧1, CuI₂, CuO, CuS, CuSe, CuTe, GeO₂, or SiO₂) interposed betweenion conductor140 and a metal layer such as silver. Some of these materials have additional benefits as discussed in more detail below.

Reliable growth and dissolution of an electrodeposit can also be facilitated by providing a roughened indifferent electrode surface (e.g., a root mean square roughness of greater than about 1 nm) at the electrode/ion conductor interface. The roughened surface may be formed by manipulating film deposition parameters and/or by etching a portion of one of the electrode of ion conductor surfaces. During a write operation, relatively high electrical fields form about the spikes or peaks of the roughened surface, and thus the electrodeposits are more likely to form about the spikes or peaks. As a result, more reliable and uniform changes in electrical properties for an applied voltage acrosselectrodes120 and130 may be obtained by providing a roughed interface between the indifferent electrode (cathode during a write operation) andion conductor140.

Oxidizable electrode material may have a tendency to thermally dissolve or diffuse intoion conductor140, particularly during fabrication and/or operation ofstructure100. The thermal diffusion is undesired because it may reduce the resistance ofstructure100 and thus reduce the change of an electrical property during use ofstructure100.

To reduce undesired diffusion of oxidizable electrode material intoion conductor140 and in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the oxidizable electrode includes a metal intercalated in a transition metal sulfide or selenide material such as A_x(MB₂)_1−x, where A is Ag or Cu, B is S or Se, M is a transition metal such as Ta, V, and Ti, and x ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.7. The intercalated material mitigates undesired thermal diffusion of the metal (Ag or Cu) into the ion conductor material, while allowing the metal to participate in the electrodeposit growth upon application of a sufficient voltage acrosselectrodes120 and130. For example, when silver in intercalated into a TaS₂film, the TaS₂film can include up to about 66.8 atomic percent silver. The A_x(MB₂)_1−xmaterial is preferably amorphous to prevent to prevent undesired diffusion of the metal though the material. The amorphous material may be formed by, for example, physical vapor deposition of a target material comprising A_x(MB₂)_1−x.

α-AgI is another suitable material for the oxidizable electrode, as well as the indifferent electrode. Similar to the A_x(MB₂)_1−xmaterial discussed above, α-AgI can serve as a source of Ag during operation ofstructure100—e.g., upon application of a sufficient bias, but the silver in the AgI material does not readily thermally diffuse intoion conductor140. AgI has a relatively low activation energy for conduction of electricity and does not require doping to achieve relatively high conductivity. When the oxidizable electrode is formed of AgI, depletion of silver in the AgI layer may arise during operation ofstructure100, unless excess silver is provided to the electrode. One way to provide the excess silver is to form a silver layer adjacent the AgI layer as discussed above when AgI is used as a buffer layer. The AgI layer (e.g.,layer155 and/or255) reduces thermal diffusion of Ag intoion conductor140, but does not significantly affect conduction of Ag during operation ofstructure100. In addition, use of AgI increases the operational efficiency ofstructure100 because the AgI mitigates non-Faradaic conduction (conduction of electrons that do not participate in the electrochemical reaction).

Other materials suitable forbuffer layers155 and/or255 include GeO₂and SiO_x. Amorphous GeO₂is relatively porous an will “soak up” silver during operation ofdevice100, but will retard the thermal diffusion of silver toion conductor140, compared to structures or devices that do not include a buffer layer. Whenion conductor140 includes germanium, GeO₂may be formed by exposingion conductor140 to an oxidizing environment at a temperature of about 300° C. to about 800° C. or by exposingion conductor140 to an oxidizing environment in the presence of radiation having an energy greater than the band gap of the ion conductor material. The GeO₂may also be deposited using physical vapor deposition (from a GeO₂target) or chemical vapor deposition (from GeH₄and an O₂).

Buffer layers can also be used to increase a “write voltage” by placing the buffer layer (e.g., GeO₂or SiO_x) betweenion conductor140 and the indifferent electrode. The buffer material allows metal such as silver to diffuse though the buffer and take part in the electrochemical reaction.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, at least oneelectrode120 and130 is formed of material suitable for use as an interconnect metal. For example,electrode130 may form part of an interconnect structure within a semiconductor integrated circuit. In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment,electrode130 is formed of a material that is substantially insoluble in material comprisingion conductor140. Exemplary materials suitable for both interconnect andelectrode130 material include metals and compounds such as tungsten, nickel, molybdenum, platinum, metal silicides, and the like.

Layers155 and/or255 may also include a material that restricts migration of ions betweenconductor140 and the electrodes. In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention, a barrier layer includes conducting material such as titanium nitride, titanium tungsten, a combination thereof, or the like. The barrier may be electrically indifferent, i.e., it allows conduction of electrons throughstructure100 or200, but it does not itself contribute ions to conduction throughstructure200. An electrically indifferent barrier may reduce undesired dendrite growth during operation of the programmable device, and thus may facilitate an “erase” or dissolution ofelectrodeposit160 when a bias is applied which is opposite to that used to grow the electrodeposit. In addition, use of a conducting barrier allows for the “indifferent” electrode to be formed of oxidizable material because the barrier prevents diffusion of the electrode material to the ion conductor.

Ion conductor140 is formed of material that conducts ions upon application of a sufficient voltage. Suitable materials forion conductor140 include glasses and semiconductor materials. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention,ion conductor140 is formed of chalcogenide material.

Ion conductor140 may also suitably include dissolved conductive material. For example,ion conductor140 may comprise a solid solution that includes dissolved metals and/or metal ions. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention,conductor140 includes metal and/or metal ions dissolved in chalcogenide glass. An exemplary chalcogenide glass with dissolved metal in accordance with the present invention includes a solid solution of As_xS_1−x—Ag, Ge_xSe_1−x—Ag, Ge_xS_1−x—Ag, As_xS_1−x—Cu, Ge_xSe_1−x—Cu, Ge_xS_1−x—Cu, where x ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.5 other chalcogenide materials including silver, copper, zinc, combinations of these materials, and the like. In addition,conductor140 may include network modifiers that affects mobility of ions throughconductor140. For example, materials such as metals (e.g., silver), halogens, halides, or hydrogen may be added toconductor140 to enhance ion mobility and thus increase erase/write speeds of the structure.

A solid solution suitable for use asion conductor140 may be formed in a variety of ways. For example, the solid solution may be formed by depositing a layer of conductive material such as metal over an ion conductive material such as chalcogenide glass and exposing the metal and glass to thermal and/or photo dissolution processing. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a solid solution of As₂S₃—Ag is formed by depositing As₂S₃onto a substrate, depositing a thin film of Ag onto the As₂S₃, and exposing the films to light having energy greater than the optical gap of the As₂S_3,—e.g., light having a wavelength of less than about 500 nanometers. If desired, network modifiers may be added toconductor140 during deposition of conductor140 (e.g., the modifier is in the deposited material or present duringconductor140 material deposition) or afterconductor140 material is deposited (e.g., by exposingconductor140 to an atmosphere including the network modifier).

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a solid solution may be formed by depositing one of the constituents onto a substrate or another material layer and reacting the first constituent with a second constituent. For example, germanium (preferably amorphous) may be deposited onto a portion of a substrate and the germanium may be reacted with H₂Se to form a Ge—Se glass. Similarly, As can be deposited and reacted with the H₂Se gas, or arsenic or germanium can be deposited and reacted with H₂S gas. Silver or other metal can then be added to the glass as described above.

In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, a solidsolution ion conductor140 is formed by depositing sufficient metal onto an ion conductor material such that a portion of the metal can be dissolved within the ion conductor material and a portion of the metal remains on a surface of the ion conductor to form an electrode (e.g., electrode120). In accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention, solid solutions containing dissolved metals may be directly deposited ontosubstrate110 and the electrode then formed overlying the ion conductor.

An amount of conductive material such as metal dissolved in an ion conducting material such as chalcogenide may depend on several factors such as an amount of metal available for dissolution and an amount of energy applied during the dissolution process. However, when a sufficient amount of metal and energy are available for dissolution in chalcogenide material using photodissolution, the dissolution process is thought to be self limiting, substantially halting when the metal cations have been reduced to their lowest oxidation state. In the case of As₂S₃—Ag, this occurs at Ag₄As₂S₃=2Ag₂S+As₂S, having a silver concentration of about 44 atomic percent. If, on the other hand, the metal is dissolved in the chalcogenide material using thermal dissolution, a higher atomic percentage of metal in the solid solution may be obtained, provided a sufficient amount of metal is available for dissolution.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the solid solution is formed by photodissolution to form a macrohomogeneous ternary compound and additional metal is added to the solution using thermal diffusion (e.g., in an inert environment at a temperature of about 85° C. to about 150° C.) to form a solid solution containing, for example, about 30 to about 50, and preferably about 34 atomic percent silver. Ion conductors having a metal concentration above the photodissolution solubility level facilitates formation of electrodeposits that are thermally stable at operating temperatures (typically about 85° C. to about 150° C.) ofdevices100 and200. Alternatively, the solid solution may be formed by thermally dissolving the metal into the ion conductor at the temperature noted above; however, solid solutions formed exclusively from photodissolution are thought to be less homogeneous than films having similar metal concentrations formed using photodissolution and thermal dissolution.

Ion conductor140 may also include a filler material, which fills interstices or voids. Suitable filler materials include non-oxidizable and non-silver based materials such as a non-conducting, immiscible silicon oxide and/or silicon nitride, having a cross-sectional dimension of less than about 1 nm, which do not contribute to the growth of an electrodeposit. In this case, the filler material is present in the ion conductor at a volume percent of up to about 5 percent to reduce a likelihood that an electrodeposit will spontaneously dissolve into the supporting ternary material as the device is exposed to elevated temperature, which leads to more stable device operation without compromising the performance of the device.Ion conductor140 may also include filler material to reduce an effective cross-sectional area of the ion conductor. In this case, the concentration of the filler material, which may be the same filler material described above but having a cross-sectional dimension up to about 50 nm, is present in the ion conductor material at a concentration of up to about 50 percent by volume. The filler material may also include metal such as silver or copper to fill the voids in the ion conductor material.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention,ion conductor140 includes a germanium-selenide glass with silver diffused in the glass. Germanium selenide materials are typically formed from selenium and Ge(Se)_4/2tetrahedra that may combine in a variety of ways. In a Se-rich region, Ge is 4-fold coordinated and Se is 2-fold coordinated, which means that a glass composition near Ge_0.20Se_0.80will have a mean coordination number of about 2.4. Glass with this coordination number is considered by constraint counting theory to be optimally constrained and hence very stable with respect to devitrification. The network in such a glass is known to self-organize and become stress-free, making it easy for any additive, e.g., silver, to finely disperse and form a mixed-glass solid solution. Accordingly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,ion conductor140 includes a glass having a composition of Ge_0.17Se_0.83to Ge_0.25Se_0.75.

The composition and structure ofion conductor140 material often depends on the starting or target material used to form the conductor. Generally, it is desired to form a homogenous material layer forconductor140 to facilitate reliable and repeatable device performance. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a target for physical vapor deposition of material suitable forion conductor140 is formed by selecting a proper ampoule, preparing the ampoule, maintaining proper temperatures during formation of the glass, slow rocking the composition, and quenching the composition.

Volume and wall thickness are important factors for consideration in selecting an ampoule for forming glass. The wall thickness must be thick enough to withstand gas pressures that arise during the glass formation process and are preferably thin enough to facilitate heat exchange during the formation process. In accordance with exemplary embodiment of the invention, quartz ampoules with a wall thickness of about 1 mm are used to form Se and Te based chalcogenide glasses, whereas quartz ampoules with a wall thickness of about 1.5 mm are used to form sulfur-based chalcogenide glasses. In addition, the volume of the ampoule is preferably selected such that the volume of the ampoule is about five times greater than the liquid glass precursor material.

Once the ampoule is selected, the ampoule is prepared for glass formation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, by cleaning the ampoule with hydrofluoric acid, ethanol and acetone, drying the ampoule for at least 24 hours at about 120° C., evacuating the ampoule and heating the ampoule until the ampoule turns a cherry red color and cooling the ampoule under vacuum, filling ampoule with charge and evacuating the ampoule, heating the ampoule while avoiding melting of the constituents to desorb any remaining oxygen, and sealing the ampoule. This process reduces oxygen contamination, which in turn promotes macrohomogeneous growth of the glass.

The melting temperature of the glass formation process depends on the glass material. In the case of germanium-based glasses, sufficient time for the chalcogen to react at low temperature with all available germanium is desired to avoid explosion at subsequent elevated temperatures (the vapor pressure of Se at 920° C. is 10 ATM. and 20 ATM. for S at 720° C.). To reduce the risk of explosion, the glass formation process begins by ramping the ampoule temperature to about 300° C. for selenium-based glasses (about 200° C. for sulfur-based glasses) over the period of about an hour and maintaining this temperature for about 12 hours. Next, the temperature is elevated slowly (about 0.5° C./min) up to a temperature about 50° C. higher than the liquidus temperature of the material and the ampoule remains at about this temperature for about 12 hours. The temperature is then elevated to about 940° C. to ensure melting of all non-reacted germanium for Se-based glasses or about 700° C. for S-based glasses. The ampoule should remain at this elevated temperature for about 24 hours.

The melted glass composition is preferably slow rocked at a rate of about 20/minute at least about six hours to increase the homogeneity of the glass.

Quenching is preferably performed from a temperature at which the vapors and the liquid are in an equilibrium to produce vitrification of the desired composition. In this case, the quenching temperature is about 50° C. over the liquidus temperature of the glass material. Chalcogenide-rich glasses include a range of concentrations in which under-constrained and over-constrained glasses exist. In cases where the glass composition coordinated number is far from the optimal coordination (e.g., coordination numbers of about 2.4 for Ge—Se systems) the quenching rate has to be fast enough in order to ensure vitrification, e.g., quenching in ice-water or an even stronger coolant such as a mixture of urea and ice-water. In the case of optimally coordinated glasses, quenching can be performed in air at about 25° C.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least a portion ofstructure100 is formed within a via of an insulatingmaterial150. Forming a portion ofstructure100 within a via of an insulatingmaterial150 may be desirable because, among other reasons, such formation allows relatively small structures, e.g., on the order of 10 nanometers, to be formed. In addition, insulatingmaterial150 facilitates isolatingvarious structures100 from other electrical components.

Insulatingmaterial150 suitably includes material that prevents undesired diffusion of electrons and/or ions fromstructure100. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention,material150 includes silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, polymeric materials such as polyimide or parylene, or any combination thereof.

Acontact165 may suitably be electrically coupled to one ormore electrodes120,130 to facilitate forming electrical contact to the respective electrode. Contact165 may be formed of any conductive material and is preferably formed of a metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, tungsten, or copper.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention,structure100 is formed by formingelectrode130 onsubstrate110.Electrode130 may be formed using any suitable method such as, for example, depositing a layer ofelectrode130 material, patterning the electrode material, and etching the material to formelectrode130. Insulatinglayer150 may be formed by depositing insulating material ontoelectrode130 andsubstrate110 and forming vias in the insulating material using appropriate patterning and etching processes.Ion conductor140 andelectrode120 may then be formed within insulatinglayer150 by depositingion conductor140 material andelectrode120 material within the via. Such ion conductor and electrode material deposition may be selective—i.e., the material is substantially deposited only within the via, or the deposition processes may be relatively non-selective. If one or more non-selective deposition methods are used, any excess material remaining on a surface of insulatinglayer150 may be removed using, for example, chemical mechanical polishing and/or etching techniques. Barrier layers155 and/or255 may similarly be formed using any suitable deposition and/or etch processes.

Information may be stored using programmable structures of the present invention by manipulating one or more electrical properties of the structures. For example, a resistance of a structure may be changed from a “0” or off state to a “1” or on state during a suitable write operation. Similarly, the device may be changed from a “1” state to a “0” state during an erase operation. In addition, as discussed in more detail below, the structure may have multiple programmable states such that multiple bits of information are stored in a single structure.

Write Operation

FIG. 3 illustrates current-voltage characteristics of a programmable structure (e.g. structure200) in accordance with the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, via diameter, D, is about 4 microns,conductor140 is about 35 nanometers thick and formed of Ge₃Se₇—Ag (near As₈Ge₃Se₇),electrode130 is indifferent and formed of nickel,electrode120 is formed of silver, andbarrier255 is a native nickel oxide. As illustrated in FIG. 3, current throughstructure200 in an off state (curve310) begins to rise upon application of a bias of over about one volt; however, once a write step has been performed (i.e., an electrodeposit has formed), the resistance throughconductor140 drops significantly (i.e., to about 200 ohms), illustrated bycurve320 in FIG.3. As noted above, whenelectrode130 is coupled to a more negative end of a voltage supply, compared toelectrode120, an electrodeposit begins to form nearelectrode130 and grow towardelectrode120. An effective threshold voltage (i.e., voltage required to cause growth of the electrodeposit and to break throughbarrier255, thereby couplingelectrodes320,330 together is relatively high because ofbarrier255. In particular, a voltage V≧V_Tmust be applied to structure200 sufficient to cause electrons to tunnel through barrier255 (whenbarrier255 comprises an insulating layer) to form the electrodeposit and to overcome the barrier (e.g., by tunneling through or leakage) and conduct throughconductor140 and at least a portion ofbarrier255.

In accordance with alternate embodiments of the invention, where no insolating barrier layer is present, an initial “write” threshold voltage is relatively low because no insulative barrier is formed between, for example,ion conductor140 and either of theelectrodes120,130.

Read Operation

A state of the device (e.g., 1 or 0) may be read, without significantly disturbing the state, by, for example, applying a forward or reverse bias of magnitude less than a voltage threshold (about 1.4 V for a structure illustrated in FIG. 3) for electrodeposition or by using a current limit which is less than or equal to the minimum programming current (the current which will produce the highest of the on resistance values). A current limited (to about 1 milliamp) read operation is shown in FIG.3. In this case, the voltage is swept from 0 to about 2 V and the current rises up to the set limit (from 0 to 0.2 V), indicating a low resistance (ohmic/linear current-voltage) “on” state. Another way of performing a non-disturb read operation is to apply a pulse, with a relatively short duration, which may have a voltage higher than the electrochemical deposition threshold voltage such that no appreciable Faradaic current flows, i.e., nearly all the current goes to polarizing/charging the device and not into the electrodeposition process.

Erase Operation

A programmable structure (e.g., structure200) may suitably be erased by reversing a bias applied during a write operation, wherein a magnitude of the applied bias is equal to or greater than the threshold voltage for electrodeposition in the reverse direction. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a sufficient erase voltage (V≧V_T) is applied to structure200 for a period of time which depends on the strength of the initial connection but is typically less than about 1 millisecond to returnstructure200 to its “off” state having a resistance well in excess of a million ohms. In cases where the programmable structure does not include a barrier betweenconductor140 andelectrode120, a threshold voltage for erasing the structure is much lower than a threshold voltage for writing the structure because, unlike the write operation, the erase operation does not require electron tunneling through a barrier or barrier breakdown.

Control of Operational Parameters

The concentration of conductive material in the ion conductor can be controlled by applying a bias across the programmable device. For example, metal such as silver may be taken out of solution by applying a negative voltage in excess of the reduction potential of the conductive material. Conversely, conductive material may be added to the ion conductor (from one of the electrodes) by applying a bias in excess of the oxidation potential of the material. Thus, for example, if the conductive material concentration is above that desired for a particular device application, the concentration can be reduced by reverse biasing the device to reduce the concentration of the conductive material. Similarly, metal may be added to the solution from the oxidizable electrode by applying a sufficient forward bias. Additionally, it is possible to remove excess metal build up at the indifferent electrode by applying a reverse bias for an extended time or an extended bias over that required to erase the device under normal operating conditions. Control of the conductive material may be accomplished automatically using a suitable microprocessor.

This technique may also be used to form one of the electrodes from material within the ion conductor material. For example, silver from the ion conductor may be plated out to form the oxidizable electrode. This allows the oxidizable electrode to be formed after the device is fully formed and thus mitigates problems associated with conductive material diffusing from the oxidizable electrode during manufacturing of the device.

As noted above, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, multiple bits of data may be stored within a single programmable structure by controlling an amount of electrodeposit which is formed during a write process. An amount of electrodeposit that forms during a write process depends on a number of coulombs or charge supplied to the structure during the write process, and may be controlled by using a current limit power source. In this case, a resistance of a programmable structure is governed by Equation 1, where R_onis the “on” state resistance, V_Tis the threshold voltage for electrodeposition , and I_LIMis the maximum current allowed to flow during the write operation.$\begin{array}{cc}{R}_{\mathrm{on}}=\frac{V_T}{I_{\mathrm{LIM}}}& \mathrm{Equation}1\end{array}$

In practice, the limitation to the amount of information stored in each cell will depend on how stable each of the resistance states is with time. For example, if a structure is with a programmed resistance range of about 3.5 kΩ and a resistance drift over a specified time for each state is about ±250Ω, about 7 equally sized bands of resistance (7 states) could be formed, allowing 3 bits of data to be stored within a single structure. In the limit, for near zero drift in resistance in a specified time limit, information could be stored as a continuum of states, i.e., in analog form.

A portion of anintegrated circuit402, including aprogrammable structure400, configured to provide additional isolation from electronic components is illustrated in FIG.4. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,structure400 includeselectrodes420 and430, anion conductor440, acontact460, and anamorphous silicon diode470, such as a Schottky or p-n junction diode, formed betweencontact460 andelectrode420. Rows and columns ofprogrammable structures400 may be fabricated into a high density configuration to provide extremely large storage densities suitable for memory circuits. In general, the maximum storage density of memory devices is limited by the size and complexity of the column and row decoder circuitry. However, a programmable structure storage stack can be suitably fabricated overlying an integrated circuit with the entire semiconductor chip area dedicated to row/column decode, sense amplifiers, and data management circuitry (not shown) sincestructure400 need not use any substrate real estate. In this manner, storage densities of many gigabits per square centimeter can be attained using programmable structures of the present invention. Utilized in this manner, the programmable structure is essentially an additive technology that adds capability and functionality to existing semiconductor integrated circuit technology.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a portion of a memorydevice including structure400 having an isolatingp-n junction470 at an intersection of abit line510 and aword line520 of a memory circuit. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative isolation scheme employing atransistor610 interposed between an electrode and a contact of a programmable structure located at an intersection of abit line610 and aword line620 of a memory device.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate programmable devices in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The devices illustrated in FIGS. 7-10 have an electrode (e.g., the cathode during a write process) with a smaller cross sectional area in contact with the ion conductor compared to the devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and4. The smaller electrode interface area is thought to increase the efficiency and endurance of the device because an increased percentage of ions in the solid solution are able to take part in the electrodeposit formation process. Thus any cathode plating from ions that do not participate in the electrodeposit process is reduced.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a cross sectional and a top cut-away view of aprogrammable device700 including anindifferent electrode710, anoxidizable electrode720, and anion conductor730 former overlying an insulatinglayer740 such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or the like.

Structure700 is formed by depositing an indifferent electrode material layer and an insulatinglayer750 overlying insulatinglayer740. A via is then formed throughlayer750 andelectrode material layer710, using an anisotropic etch process (e.g., reactive ion etching or ion milling) such that the via extends to and/or through a portion oflayer740. The via is then filled with ion conductor material and is suitably doped to form a solid solution as described herein. Any excess ion conductor material is removed from the surface oflayer750 andelectrode730 is formed, for example using a deposition and etch process. In this case, the indifferent electrode (cathode during write process) area in contact withion conductor730 is the surface area ofelectrode710 about the perimeter ofconductor730, rather than the area underlying the ion conductor, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and4.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate aprogrammable device900 having anindifferent electrode910, anoxidizable electrode920, anion conductor930 and insulatinglayers940 and950 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.Structure900 is similar tostructure700, except that once a via is formed throughlayer750, an isotropic etch process (e.g., chemical or plasma) is employed to form the via throughelectrode910, such that a sloped intersection between anion conductor930 andelectrode910 is formed.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate anotherprogrammable device1100, with a reduced electrode/ion conductor interface, in accordance with the present invention.Structure1100 includeselectrodes1110 and1120 and anion conductor1130, formed on a surface of an insulatingmaterial1140, rather than within a via as discussed above. In this case, the programmable structure is formed by defining anion conductor1130 patter on a surface of insulating material1140 (e.g., using deposition and etch techniques) and formingelectrodes1110 and1120, such that the electrodes each contact a portion of the ion conductor. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the electrodes are formed overlying and in contact with both a portion of the ion conductor and the insulating material. Although the thickness of the layers may be varied in accordance with specific applications of the device, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the ion conductor and electrode films is about 1 nm to about 100 nm. Sub-lithographic lateral dimensions of portions of the device may be obtained by overexposing photoresist used to pattern the portions and/or over etching the film layer.

FIG. 13 illustrates adevice1300 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.Structure1300 is similar to the devices illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, except that the cross-sectional area of the ion conductor that is in contact with the electrodes is reduced by filling a portion of a via with non-ion conductor material, rather than etching through an electrode layer.

Structure1300 includeselectrodes1310 and1320 and anion conductor1330 formed within an insulatinglayer1340. In this case,ion conductor1330 is formed by creating a trench within insulatinglayer1340, the trench having a diameter indicated by D2. The trench is then filled using, for example, interference lithography techniques or conformally lining the via with insulating material and using an anisotropic etch process to remove some of the insulating material, leaving a via with a diameter of D3.Structure1300 formed using this technique may have a ion conductor cross sectional area as small as about 10 nm in contact withelectrodes1310 and1320.

FIGS. 14-17 illustrate another embodiment of the invention, where the cross sectional area of the ion conductor/electrode interface is relatively small.Structure1400, illustrated in FIG. 14, includeselectrodes1410 and1420 and anion conductor1430.Structure1400 is formed in a manner similar tostructure700, except that the ion conductor material is deposited conformally, using, for example chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition, into a trench, and the trench is not filled with the ion conductor material.

Structure1500 is similar tostructure1400, except that anion conductor1530 is formed by etching a portion ofion conductor1430, such that a via1540 is formed through toelectrode1410.Structure1600 is similar tostructure1500 and is formed by conformally depositing the ion conductor material as described above and then removing the ion conductor material from a surface of insulatingmaterial1450 prior to depositingelectrode1420 material. Finally,structure1700 may be formed by selectively deposing theion conductor1730 material into only a portion of the trench formed in insulating material1450 (e.g., using angled deposition and/or shadowing techniques), removing any excess ion conductor material on the surface ofinsulator1450, and forming anelectrode1720 overlying the insulator and in contact withion conductor1730.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention, where a pillar or wall within a trench is used to reduce a cross-sectional area of the interface between the ion conductor and one or more electrodes.Structure1800, illustrated in FIG. 18, includeselectrodes1810 and1820 and anion conductor1830 formed within an insulatinglayer1840. In addition,structure1800 includes apillar1850 of insulating material (e.g., insulating material used to form layer1840), formed within a trench withinlayer1840.Structure1800 may be formed using the shadowed deposition technique discussed above.Structure1900 is similar tostructure1800, exceptstructure1900 includes apartial pillar1950 and anion conductor1930, which fills the remaining portion of the formed trench.

FIG. 20 illustrates yet anotherstructure2000 in accordance with the present invention.Structure2000 includeselectrodes2010 and2020 and anion conductor2030 formed within an insulatinglayer2040.Structure2000 is formed using an anisotropic or a combination of an anisotropic and an isotropic etch processes to form a tapered via.Ion conductor2030 is then formed within the trench using techniques previously described.

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate programmable devices in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. The structures illustrated in FIGS. 21-24 include a floating electrode, which allows multiple bits of information to be stored within a single programmable device.

Structure2100 includes afirst electrode2110, a second, floatingelectrode2120, athird electrode2130,ion conductor portions2140 and2150, which may all be formed on a substrate or wholly or partially formed within a via as described above. Althoughstructure2100 is illustrated in a vertical configuration, the structure may be formed in a horizontal configuration, similar tostructure1100. In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, the first and third electrodes are formed of an indifferent electrode and the second electrode is formed of an oxidizable electrode material. Alternatively, the first and third electrodes may be formed of oxidizable electrode material and the second, floating electrode may be formed of an indifferent electrode material. In either case, the structure includes two “half cells,” where each half cell functions as a programmable device described above in connection with FIG.1. Each half cell is preferably configured such that the resistance of one half cell differs from the resistance of the other half cell when both cells are in an erased state.

In the case when floatingelectrode2120 is formed of oxidizable electrode material, bits of data may be stored as follows. The overall impedance ofstructure2100 is approximately equal to the resistance ofportions2140 and2150. When no electrodeposit is formed within either portion, this high resistance state may be represent by thestate00. When a voltage is applied tostructure2100, such thatelectrode2130 is positive relative toelectrode2110 and the applied bias is greater that the threshold voltage required to form an electrodeposit inportion2140, anelectrodeposit2160 will form throughconductor portion2140 fromelectrode2110 toward floatingelectrode2120 as illustrated in FIG.22. Under this condition, an electrodeposit will not form withinconductor portion2150 becauseportion2150 is under a reverse bias condition and thus will not support growth of an electrodeposit. The growth of the electrodeposit will change the impedance ofportion2140 from Z₁to Z₁′, thus changing the overall impedance ofstructure2100, which may be represent by thestate01. The current level used to formelectrodeposit2160 should be selected such that it is sufficiently low, allowing the electrodeposit to be dissolved upon application of a sufficient reverse bias. A third state may be formed by reversing the polarity of the applied bias acrosselectrodes2110 and2130, such that most of the voltage drop occurs across the high resistanceion conductor portion2150 and formation of anelectrodeposit2170 begins, as illustrated in FIG. 23, without causing electrodeposit2160 to dissolve. The impedance ofportion2150 changes from Z₂to Z₂′, and the overall impedance ofstructure2100 is Z₁′ plus Z₂′, which may be represented by thestate11. Once both half cells are in the write state,electrodeposit2160 and/or2170 may be dissolved by applying a sufficient bias across one or both of the half cells.Electrodeposit2170 can be erased, for example, by sufficiently negatively biasingelectrode2130 with respect toelectrode2110, which may be represented by astate00. The four possible states, along with the current limit used to form the state, are represented in table 1 below.

TABLE 1
		Current			State/
Seq #	Polarity	limit	Z half-cell 1	Z half-cell 2	value
1	Sub-threshold	Zero	Z1	Z2	00
2	Upper + Lower −	Low	Z1′	Z2	01
3	Upper − Lower +	Low	Z1′	Z2′	11
4	Upper − Lower +	High	Z1	Z2′	10

Structure2100 can be changed to11 fromstate10 by applying a low current limit bias to growelectrodeposit2150 inportion2140. Similarly,structure2100 can be changed fromstate11 tostate01 by dissolvingelectrodeposit2170 by applying a relatively high current limit bias such thatupper electrode2130 is positive with respect tolower electrode2110. Finally,structure2100 can be returned tostate00 using a short current pulse to thermally dissolveelectrodeposit2160, using a current which is high enough to cause localized heating of the electrodeposit. This will increase the metal concentration in the half-cell but this excess metal can be removed electrically from the cell by plating it back onto the floating electrode. This sequence is summarized in table 2 below.

TABLE 2
		Current			State/
Seq #	Polarity	limit	Z half-cell 1	Z half-cell 2	value
4	Existing state	—	Z1	Z2′	10
5	Upper + Lower −	Low	Z1′	Z2′	11
6	Upper + Lower −	High	Z1′	Z2	01
7	Upper + Lower −	Thermal	Z1	Z2	00

Other write and erase sequences are also possible (as are other definitions of the various states represented by the half-cell impedances). For example, it is possible to go fromstate00 to eitherstate01 orstate10, depending on the write polarity chosen. Similarly, it is possible to go fromstate11 to eitherstate10 orstate01. It is also possible to go fromstate11 tostate00 by the application of a current pulse (in either direction) which is high and short enough to thermally dissolve the electrodeposits in both half-cells simultaneously.

In addition to storing information in digital form,structure2100 can also be used as a noise-tolerant, low energy anti-fuse element for use in field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and field configurable circuits and systems. Most physical anti-fuse technologies require large currents and voltages to make a permanent connection. The need for such high energy state-switching stimuli is generally considered to be somewhat beneficial as this reduces the likelihood of the anti-fuse accidentally forming a connection in electrically noisy situations. However, the use of high voltages and large currents on chip represent a significant problem as all components in the programming circuits are typically sized accordingly and the high energy consumption reduces battery life in portable systems.

FIGS. 25-29 illustrate structures in accordance with another embodiment of the invention in which multiple programmable devices include a common electrode (e.g., the devices share a common anode or cathode. Forming structures in which multiple structures share a common electrode is advantageous because such structures allow a higher density of cells to be formed on a given substrate surface area.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate astructure2500, having a horizontal configuration and a common electrode.Structure2500 includes anelectrical connector2510 coupled to acommon surface electrode2520,electrodes2530 and2540, andion conductor portions2550 and2560 overlying an insulatinglayer2170.Structure2500 may be used to form word and bit lines as described above by forming a row of electrodes (e.g., anodes) coupled toconductor2510, and columns of oppositely bias electrodes (e.g., cathodes) running perpendicular toelectrodes2520. A conductive plug, formed of any suitably conducting material can be used toelectrically couple electrode2520 toconductor2510. Although illustrated with a horizontal configuration, common electrode structures in accordance with this embodiment may be formed using structures having a vertical configuration as described herein.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrateadditional structures2700 and2800 having a common electrode shared between two ormore devices Structures2700 and2800 include a common electrode,electrodes2720 and2725,ion conductors2730,2735 and2830,2835 respectively, and insulatinglayers2740 and2750.Structures2700 and2800 may be formed using techniques described above in connection with FIGS.15 and16—e.g., by conformally depositing ion conductor material within a trench of an insulating layer. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, directional deposition may be used to form a structure similar tostructure1700.Structures2700 and2800 each include two programmable devices includingcommon electrode2710 an ion conductor (e.g., conductor2735) and another electrode (e.g., electrode2725).Dielectric material2750 is an insulating material that does not interfere with surface electrodeposit growth, such as silicon oxides, silicon nitrides, and the like.

FIG. 29 illustrates astructure2900 including multiple programmable devices2902-2916 formed about acommon electrode2920. Each of the devices2902-2916 may be formed using the method described above in connection with FIG.21. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29, each of electrodes2930-2936 and2938-2944 may be coupled together in a direction perpendicular to the direction ofcommon electrode2920, such thatelectrode2920 forms a bit line and electrodes2930-2936 and electrodes2938-2944 form word lines.Structure2900 may operate and be programmed in a manner similar tostructure2100 described above.

In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, a programmable structure or device stores information by storing a charge as opposed to growing an electrodeposit. A capacitance of a structure or device is altered by applying a bias across electrodes of the device such that positively charged ions migrate toward one of the electrodes. If the applied bias is less that a write threshold voltage, no short will form between the electrodes. Capacitance of the structure changes as a result of the ion migration. When the applied bias is removed, the metal ions tend to diffuse away from the electrode or a barrier proximate the electrode. However, an interface between an ion conductor and a barrier is generally imperfect and includes defects capable of trapping ions. Thus, at least a portion of ions remain at or proximate an interface between a barrier and an ion conductor. If a write voltage is reversed, the ions may suitably be dispersed away from the interface.

A programmable structure in accordance with the present invention may be used in many applications which would otherwise utilize traditional technologies such as EEPROM, FLASH or DRAM. Advantages provided by the present invention over present memory techniques include, among other things, lower production cost and the ability to use flexible fabrication techniques which are easily adaptable to a variety of applications. The programmable structures of the present invention are especially advantageous in applications where cost is the primary concern, such as smart cards and electronic inventory tags. Also, an ability to form the memory directly on a plastic card is a major advantage in these applications as this is generally not possible with other forms of semiconductor memories.

Further, in accordance with the programmable structures of the present invention, memory elements may be scaled to less than a few square microns in size, the active portion of the device being less than on micron. This provides a significant advantage over traditional semiconductor technologies in which each device and its associated interconnect can take up several tens of square microns.

Additionally, the devices of the present invention require relatively low energy and do not require “refreshing.” Thus, the devices are well suitable for portable device applications.

Although the present invention is set forth herein in the context of the appended drawing figures, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the specific form shown. For example, while the programmable structure is conveniently described above in connection with programmable memory devices, the invention is not so limited; the structure of the present invention may suitably be employed as programmable active or passive devices within a microelectronic circuit. Furthermore, although only some of the devices are illustrated as including buffer, barrier, or transistor components, any of these components may be added to the devices of the present invention. Various other modifications, variations, and enhancements in the design and arrangement of the method and apparatus set forth herein, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (31)

We claim:

1. A microelectronic programmable structure comprising:

an ion conductor formed of an ion conductive material and conductive ions;

an oxidizable electrode proximate the ion conductor; and

an indifferent electrode proximate the ion conductor.

2. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, further comprising a buffer layer between the oxidizable electrode and the ion conductor.

3. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 2, wherein the buffer layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of Ag_xO, Ag_xS, Ag_xSe, Ag_xTe, where x≧2, Ag_yI, where y≧1, CuI₂, CuO, CuS, CuSe, CuTe, GeO₂, and SiO₂.

4. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the indifferent electrode comprises platinum.

5. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the oxidizable electrode comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a transition metal sulfide and a transition metal selenide.

6. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 5, wherein the oxidizable electrode further comprises intercalated silver.

7. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 5, wherein the oxidizable electrode comprises TaS₂.

8. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the oxidizable electrode comprises AgI.

9. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 8, wherein the oxidizable electrode comprises excess silver.

10. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the ion conductor comprises a solid solution selected from the group consisting of As_xS_1−x—Ag, Ge_xSe_1−x—Ag, Ge_xS_1−x—Ag, As_xS_1−x—Cu, Ge_xSe_1−x—Cu, Ge_xS_1−x—Cu, where x ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.5.

11. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 10, wherein the ion conductor comprises a filler material.

12. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 11, wherein the filler material comprises a dielectric and is present in the ion conductor at a volume percent of up to about 50 percent.

13. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 11, wherein the filler material comprises a dielectric and is present in the ion conductor at a volume percent of up to about 5 percent.

14. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 11, wherein the filler material comprises silver.

15. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the ion conductor comprises a glass having a composition of Ge_0.17Se_0.83to Ge_0.25Se_0.75.

16. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 15, wherein the ion conductor further comprises up to about 34 percent silver.

17. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, further comprising a transistor in contact with one of the oxidizable or the indifferent electrodes.

18. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, further comprising a diode in contact with one of the oxidizable or the indifferent electrodes.

19. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the ion conductor is formed within a via in an insulating material layer.

20. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 19, further comprising a diode formed within the via.

21. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 19, wherein the ion conductor contacts the indifferent electrode about a portion of the perimeter of the ion conductor.

22. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 21, wherein the ion conductor contacts the indifferent electrode about a sloped portion of the perimeter of the ion conductor.

23. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the indifferent electrode, the oxidizable electrode, and the ion conductor are formed on a surface of an insulating material layer.

24. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the ion conductor is formed within a via of a first insulating material layer, and wherein the programmable structure further comprises a second insulating material formed within the via.

25. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the ion conductor is formed along a sidewall of a via formed within an insulating layer.

26. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein the ion conductor is formed within a sloped via within an insulating material layer.

27. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, further comprising a barrier layer between the indifferent electrode and the ion conductor.

28. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 27, wherein the barrier layer comprises a conductive material.

29. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 27, wherein the barrier layer comprises an insulating material.

30. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein surface area of the indifferent electrode in contact with the ion conductor is less than the surface area of the oxidizable electrode in contact with the ion conductor.

31. The microelectronic programmable structure ofclaim 1, wherein an interface between the indifferent electrode and the ion conductor is roughened.

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